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As the Boston Red Sox head south and begin another new year, questions abound surrounding the team. Following the 2011 regular season collapse, those questions are more than deserving.

From the time camp officially opens all the way until opening day, Red Sox Nation will be seeking answers on a number of burning questions.

Did the Red Sox do enough this offseason to get them over the hump? How will Carl Crawford respond after a tough 2011? What will the new-look bullpen have to say?

We'll continue looking at all of those unanswered questions as camp begins to open but today, let's examine the starting rotation.

Given the way 2011 ended, much speculation surrounds this group of starters. There very well may be one more shoe to drop depending on where Roy Oswalt signs.

Thought to be out of the race early last week, the Red Sox are still among the teams battling for Oswalt's service. ESPN.com's Jayson Stark thinks it may come down to the Red Sox or the Cardinals.

That said, as the Red Sox starting pitching is currently constructed and projected for 2012, there is a bittersweet feeling. Looking at the Sox rotation heading into spring training, there is a feeling of positivity but there is also a gloomy cloud up above.

It shouldn't be forgotten that the Red Sox missed the playoffs by only one game, falling dramatically on the final day of the season. It should go without saying that if the clubhouse debacles and riffs throughout the season weren't made public, the feeling entering spring training would be much different. The point is that the Red Sox still have a top-notch lineup and three starters with proven success.

Unfortunately, any answers Red Sox fans are seeking about the prospects of the starting rotation, will only be provided with time. Past Lester's predicted rebound from September, there are four deep questions in the projected starting rotation.

For a breakdown of each starter's prospects entering spring training, view the gallery to the left or click here.